In this episode of StudioZer0 Beyond Survival, Geraldine and Kelli sit down with filmmaker and producer Rod Manikin at the end of the Savage Island shoot. Rod talks about bringing his sixth feature film to life in Western Australia, working with directors James and Chris Broadhurst, the incredible crew, the actors, the locations, the challenges and the sheer determination it took to shoot a complex action feature in just 12 filming days. From Greenhead and the WA coastline to building an entire village in the bush, this is a behind-the-scenes conversation about what independent filmmaking actually looks like when the budget is tight, the weather turns, the fuel runs out and everyone has to pull together. We also talk about Rod’s next film, Morditj, an Indigenous-inspired mystical story about a young woman finding her way back to herself, and the importance of telling Australian stories here in Australia. Along the way we talk about Cleverman, Dreaming and spiritual journeys, Western Australian landscapes, community support, filmmaking, resilience, investors, creativity and why staying humble matters. And, naturally, there is food, cake, a few laughs and the occasional bit of chaos. This is Beyond Survival. Art, spirit, culture, storytelling and the people who keep creating, even when the road gets complicated. 🎙️ Hosts: Geraldine Pillinger & Kelli Sharp🎧 Guest: Rod Manikin🐾 Superhost: Gizmo🎬 Producer: Stephanie Davis / SomeDay Pictures 🎥 ABOUT ROD MANIKIN Rod Manikin is an independent filmmaker and producer working in Western Australia. Savage Island is his sixth feature film, following years of creating independent productions through Rodman Pictures. His films combine action, adventure, Indigenous stories, mystery and the landscapes of Western Australia. 🎨 CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro & Wrap-Up of the Shoot1:06 Welcome Back — Meet the Team1:27 Behind the Scenes Teasers & Film #62:18 Filming Locations in WA’s Mid West6:31 Red Tape vs Supportive Councils7:18 Production Timeline & 2027 Screening8:01 The Cleverman Connection & Yowie Lore12:56 Morditj: The Story15:09 Spiritual Journey & Indigenous Culture17:47 Showcasing WA & Savage Island Locations18:49 Building the Village & Props21:52 The 12-Day Shoot27:00 12-Day Shoot Challenges29:33 Community Support & Fuel Crisis34:33 Resilience & Production Quality38:12 Lurking Woods & Director Praise44:33 Finding Investors in Vegas48:45 Independent Filmmaking Philosophy53:44 Personal Resilience & Family57:50 Advice: Honesty, Hard Work & Humility64:10 Sign-Off 🍰 FROM THE BEYOND SURVIVAL TABLE There is something about putting a few good things in the middle of a table and letting everyone help themselves. 🍅 Muhammara Dip🫓 Persian Flatbreads🧀 Vegan Parmesan Crackers🍰 Yoghurt Cake 🌱 SUPPORT STUDIOZER0 & BEYOND SURVIVAL Enjoyed this episode? ☕ BUY US A COFFEE You can support StudioZer0 & Beyond Survival and help us keep creating independent stories, films and conversations with artists. https://buymeacoffee.com/studiozer0beyondsurvival 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Beyond Survival. Each episode is created for artists, thinkers and those who don’t feel at home in fast culture — where art is lived, not consumed. 🌐 STUDIOZER0 LINKS Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/StudioZer0ArtsIncYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiozeroart7590Threads: https://www.threads.com/@studiozer0.artSubstack: https://substack.com/@artsmartstudiozer0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiozer0.artFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelli.sharp.studiozero.artTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@studiozer0.artsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-sharp-83ab54a 🌿 ABOUT BEYOND SURVIVAL Beyond Survival is a StudioZer0 Arts production exploring art, spirit, culture and storytelling with artists, creatives, thinkers and people who don’t necessarily feel at home in fast culture. Here, art is lived, not consumed. Hosted by Geraldine Pillinger & Kelli SharpProducer: Stephanie Davis / SomeDay PicturesStudioZer0 Arts Inc. | NOT 4 PROFIT 🎬 StudioZer0 Arts🎙️ Beyond Survival🎨 Art • Spirit • Culture • Activism #BeyondSurvival #StudioZer0 #RodManikin #SavageIsland #IndependentFilm #WesternAustralia #AustralianFilm #WAFilm #Filmmaking #RodmanPictures #Morditj #Cleverman #AustralianStories This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/subscribe
